Dr. Tom Welch an expert in work with neurodiverse young people and families joins us to talk about the important work of preparing adolescents for adulthood. Dr. Welch shares key skills parents can help foster while also setting appropriate goals for their child’s future. As he shared, “You’re working toward a goal where you are in influencer but not in control. It’s messy but It’s what we all want…greater independence.”
Podcast
The September 26th Project: Safety Preparedness for Families with Autism
Kelly McKinnon-Bermingham who has been working in the field of autism for 27 years, and is a published author joins us to discuss the work of the September 26th Project which she co-chaired.
The September 26th was created to honor the lives of a family that was tragically lost in a home fire. By providing safety awareness and preparedness resources for families the mission of this initiative is to review their safety plans every year on September 26th and use their checklists to be prepared. Kelly also commented on the importance of caregivers to support safety preparedness and awareness. As she said, “If a child can’t get out of the house in the event of a fire, were the other goals addressed important?”
For More Information:
Visit their website: https://www.september26.org/
Download the Fire safety check-list
Download the Natural disaster checklist
Download the Wondering prevention checklist
Download American Red Cross Emergency apps here
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).
Creating a Successful Holiday for Children with Autism
All Autism Talk hosts Kathrine Johnson and Richie Ploesch, sit down to discuss strategies and tips to support a happy, safe, and fun holiday experience for children with autism. As Katherine shared, “When kids know what to expect, it can really help them regulate… and leaving space to let them have a choice and downtime can really help.”
For more helpful family tips all year round visit:
https://www.learnbehavioral.com/parentresources
https://www.facebook.com/learnbehavioral
https://www.youtube.com/c/Autismtherapies
Interested in ABA services for your child? Contact Us: https://lrnbvr.com/contact
Interested in a career in the ABA field? Apply Now: https://lrnbvr.com/apply-now
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).
Enriching Life Experiences for Young Autistic Adults
Heather Tarczan, Executive Director of Urban Autism Solutions joins us to talk about how their program is working to build opportunity and community for young adults in Chicago. Every year, thousands of teens with autism age out of high school. For the majority of these young adults, this is the end of their autism-based services and support. Urban Autism Solutions provides a multitude of social and vocational opportunities for individuals through innovative, community-based programs including a Transition Academy and 1.2-acre Growing Solutions Farm.
For more information:
https://www.urbanautismsolutions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/UrbanAutismSolutions/
https://www.instagram.com/urbanautismsolutions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/urban-autism-solutions/
Interested in ABA services for your child? Contact Us: https://lrnbvr.com/contact
Interested in a career in the ABA field? Apply Now: https://lrnbvr.com/apply-now
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).
Nobody’s Normal: How Culture Created the Stigma of Mental Illness
Roy Richard Grinker is a Professor of Anthropology and International Affairs at George Washington University and author. He joins us to share insights from his latest book, Nobody’s Normal: How Culture Created the Stigma of Mental Illness. In this discussion, we explore how various stigmas around diagnosis are formed – and can be dismantled. As Richard shares, ”Look at the history of autism, when mothers were blamed and autism was only looked at in negative terms… We don’t end up in a very good situation. I’m trying to point this stuff out so people can realize we do have the power to change.”

For More Information:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/roygrinker
https://anthropology.columbian.gwu.edu/roy-richard-grinker
https://royrichardgrinker.com/
Interested in ABA services for your child? Contact Us: https://lrnbvr.com/contact
Interested in a career in the ABA field? Apply Now: https://lrnbvr.com/apply-now
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).
Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Debra Moore – Navigating Autism
Dr. Temple Grandin returns to the podcast to discuss her latest book, Navigating Autism, which is a collaboration with psychologist Debra Moore, who has done extensive work with children, teens, and adults on the autism spectrum. This episode highlights Dr. Grandin’s powerful personal insights and wisdom with practical support and help from Dr. Moore. In this lively conversation, Drs. Grandin and Moore delve into a number of topics, from how to teach your child basic skills to what you can do to identify and stretch your child’s strengths and interests. The authors also share their belief that many educators, parents, and caregivers underestimate their kids, and they offer advice on what parents can do to help their child reach their highest potential.
Interested in ABA services for your child? Contact Us: https://lrnbvr.com/contact
Interested in a career in the ABA field? Apply Now: https://lrnbvr.com/apply-now
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).
Addressing the Cultural Needs of Families with Autism
Corina Jimenez-Gomez, faculty at Auburn University, and Lauren Beaulieu a behavior analyst for 20 years join us to discuss the importance of culturally responsive services in ABA. Along with their extensive work educating others in this area, they each bring their personal experiences to this important conversation. Corina is a mother and Venezuelan native now living in Alabama. Lauren also shares insights she has gained from her marriage to an Italian immigrant. There is so much rich information about how professionals can take responsibility and action to better serve families. One bit of advice offered to those just beginning their careers was, “Do a self-assessment and then get the training and focus on those soft skills that we tend to ignore in masters programs. Focus on relationship building. You may have to step outside your program to get that.”
Training: https://institute.centralreach.com/pages/cultural-competency-in-applied-behavior-analysis
Interested in ABA Services for you child? Contact Us: https://lrnbvr.com/contact
Interested in a Career in the ABA Field? Apply Now: https://lrnbvr.com/apply-now
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).
Female Life on the Spectrum – Insights from Jennifer Cook
Jennifer Cook was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at the age of 35 and is raising three children on the spectrum. She is the author of seven bestselling, award-winning books. This lively conversation had our host, Katherine Johnson laughing and crying. Jennifer provides perspective on why diagnosis has been widely missed in girls and women and promotes her philosophy of helping others, “Move from feeling like a mistake to feeling like a miracle”.
For More Information:
https://www.jenniferotooleauthor.com/
https://www.sanctuary-magazine.com/autism-in-heels.html
https://www.nowyoubelong.com/welcome
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).
Advancing Research and Understanding of Autism
Holly Lechniak Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Outreach Director for the AARTS (Autism Assessment, Research, Treatment, and Services) Center at Rush University Medical Center, joins us to share about the work of SPARK. This national study is working towards accelerating research, as well as our understanding of autism. Holly shares, “Autism, as compared to other fields, is still relatively new in the area of research. There is still much to learn in order to continue to improve treatment, care, and quality of life for individuals across the lifespan.”
For More Information:
https://www.rush.edu/services/autism-care
https://sparkforautism.org/rush
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).
Autism Today: A Look at How Far We Have Come and What is Still Needed
Dr. Fred Volkmar, a professor at Yale University with over 40 years in the field of autism-related studies, joins us to provide perspective on how far we have come in the diagnosis, research, and services for individuals with autism. With all the gains, there is still a great need for more research. As Dr. Volkmar put it, “I think until we get more parents pushing for work on adults, we’re just not going to see it. You have to put your money where your mouth is and I think the federal government needs to fund more research on adults with autism”. Dr. Volkmar also discusses his latest book written with his wife, Dorothy Goodwin which aims to provide parents with practical help for their family.
For More Information:
Book: https://lrnbvr.com/wiley
Yale Autism Seminar: https://lrnbvr.com/yale-autism-seminar
Center of Excellence on ASD: https://www.southernct.edu/asd-center
All Autism Talk (allautismtalk.com) is sponsored by LEARN Behavioral (learnbehavioral.com).